Characteristics of adolescents who visit the emergency department following suicide attempts: comparison study between adolescents and adults

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of suicide attempts in adolescents who visit the emergency department compared to those of adults. Methods This study included 149 children under the age of 18, and 1427 people in the age of 19–65 who came to the emergency department with suicide attempt from 2009 to 2015. We compare sociodemographic, clinical, and suicide attempt-related characteristics through Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the difference between two groups. Results In adolescents, suicide attempters had more number of previous suicide attempt history than adults. Adolescents used more non-lethal method such as poisoning of over the counter drugs and had about 5 times higher odds ratio in suicide attempts with analgesics. The motivation of suicide attempt among adolescents was more related with interpersonal problems but less with financial or illness-related problems. The intention of suicide attempt in adolescents was less serious and lethal compared to adults. Conclusion Suicide attempts among adolescents had showed different from adults in method, motivation and intention. Considering the characteristics of suicide attempt among adolescent, it is necessary to keep close attention to adolescent’s suicide attempters and develop the customized intervention program to prevent the suicide attempt in this groups.

Identifying alcohol problems among suicide attempters visiting the emergency department

“…We defined “suicide attempts” as incidents when subjects and/or their caregivers reported an obvious intent. Only when the suicide attempters were unable to provide reliable information due to mental confusion or severe physical damages, medical staff confirmed the injuries as a result of a possible suicide attempt based on clear evidences (i.e., obvious circumstance and witness report) [22]. All subjects agreed for a psychiatric interview and blood collection to test for biochemical markers after they were completely informed about the aims and methods of the study.…”

Characteristics of First Visit Pediatric Patients with Suicidal Ideation and Behavior: An 8-Year Retrospective Chart Review

“…However, planning and attempt of suicide has shown a rapidly increasing trend among individuals up to 15 years of age followed by a relatively shallow increase among those between the ages of 15 and 17 years [ 4 ]. In terms of suicide attempts, adolescents tend to show a higher rate of impulsive attempts and use less lethal methods compared to adults, but also show more repeated attempts [ 5 ]. Moreover, suicidal ideation and behavior occurring in adolescence tend to persist in adulthood [ 6 ], and are predictive factors of adult psychiatric disease.…”

Predictive factors for the medical hospitalisation of patients who visited the emergency department with suicide attempt

“…Most of the patients who attempt suicide receive medical care through the ED, and both domestic and international research on these individuals is frequently based on injury-monitoring data or medical records from the ED and ED patients [9][10][11][12]. The patients who require only psychiatric care are typically either discharged after a psychiatric consultation or admitted to a psychiatric ward, while those with an altered mental status, in need of intensive care or surgery, due to physical injuries, may require medical hospitalisation.…”